Urban Meyer refuses to blame players, coaches for UF's struggles

Despite a season full of losses and turmoil, Urban Meyer still isn't pointing fingers.

With criticism swirling around the coaches and players, it would be easy to rest the blame on somebody else. But Meyer is avoiding that.

"I've done this for a long time, and 2005 was probably the last time that I remember that there was a lot of that kind of discussion, discussion I'm usually not a part of because my obligation is to these football players and to this team and to this staff," he said.

Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio has received much of the blame for UF's offensive struggles, but Meyer said Monday that he expects Addazio to return next season. The Gators are ranked 83rd in the country in total offense.

"Obviously, there will be accountability," Meyer said. "That's our profession, that's what I do and that's what we do. But to make it public and throw players under the bus or coaches under the bus, that's not a part of our plan."

Quick hits

— Junior safety Will Hill said he will return to Florida for his senior season on Wednesday.

— Kicker Caleb Sturgis will sit out his seventh consecutive game with a back injury Saturday.

— Defensive tackle Jaye Howard (ankle) practiced Tuesday, but he is still not at full speed.

— Linebacker A.J. Jones is being bothered by a hamstring injury. Meyer said Jones is questionable for Saturday's game against Appalachian State.